How Long Does It Take for a Dental Bone Graft to Heal?
A dental implant is an artificial tooth root made of titanium that is placed in the jawbone and then fuses to the jawbone through osseointegration. However, if the tooth has been missing for a while, there may not be enough bone in your jaw to support the implant. In this case, you can get a dental bone graft to rebuild your jawbone.
What is a dental bone graft?
A dental bone graft is a piece of bone tissue that is attached to your jaw in places where bone loss has occurred. The bone graft material may be autogenous (taken from your own body), allograft (purchased from a human tissue bank), xenograft (purchased from an animal tissue bank), or alloplast (synthetically created).
When a dental bone graft is placed, it promotes the growth of your own bone tissue. It creates a starting point for your bone tissue to attach to and grow.
How long does it take for a dental bone graft to heal?
After a dental bone graft procedure, it will take a week or two for you to feel like normal again. It will take three to nine months for the bone graft to fully heal and regenerate itself, but it can sometimes take longer. Your recovery time will depend on factors such as where the graft was placed, the type of graft, and your body’s capacity to heal itself.
Who needs a dental bone graft?
A dental bone graft is recommended if you:
Are getting a tooth removed
Want to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant
Need to rebuild the jawbone to prepare for dentures
Have bone loss due to periodontal disease
Do you have more questions about dental bone grafts and implants? Don’t hesitate to call or stop by My Ogden Dentist to learn more!